What could happen with a GOP president in 2016

The 2016 presidental election could determine the Supreme Court's ideological compostion as several justices may retire after that election.

The 2016 presidental election could determine the Supreme Court's ideological compostion as several justices may retire after that election. (SAUL LOEB, AFP/Getty Images FIle Photo)

Opinion: What a GOP president in 2016 could mean for Supreme Court

Of primary concern to every voter (regardless of party or political affiliation) is the fact that a Republican president elected in 2016 would most likely appoint four Supreme Court justices in a two-term presidency. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a liberal, is 82. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who leans liberal, is 78. Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative, is 79. Justice Stephen Breyer, a liberal, is 76.

A Republican president, with a continued Senate majority, would certainly replace them all with conservative justices, leaving a totally unbalanced Supreme Court (seven conservative to two liberal) for decades to come. You can bet the first established law to fall would be legalized abortion (Roe v. Wade), leaving abortion constitutionally legal only in the strictest of circumstances (rape, incest or to save the life of the mother).

Democrats, independents, progressives and pro-choice conservatives must work extra hard to ensure this doesn't happen in 2016. It should be foremost in your mind when voting in 2016.